BACKGROUND Total hip arthroplasty(THA)is a common procedure for end stage osteoarthritis.The learning curve for THA is complex and challenging.One of the most difficult skills to master is acetabular reaming.We wish t...BACKGROUND Total hip arthroplasty(THA)is a common procedure for end stage osteoarthritis.The learning curve for THA is complex and challenging.One of the most difficult skills to master is acetabular reaming.We wish to identify if experience in arthroplasty leads to preservation of more bone stock.AIM To investigate if increasing surgeon experience will predict an ever decreasing acetabular cup size.METHODS A retrospective case series of four attending orthopaedic surgeons was completed.All uncemented elective total hip arthroplasties since appointment were selected for inclusion.The size of acetabular cup used was noted and logistic regression was used to identify if a trend to smaller cups existed.RESULTS A total of 1614 subjects were included with a mean age of 64 years.Overall cups were on average 0.18mm smaller per year(95%confidence interval-0.25 to-0.11,P<0.001).Individual surgeon trends showed cup sizes to decrease 0.27 mm/year for surgeon A,0.02 mm/year for surgeon B,0.15 mm/year for surgeon C and 0.29 mm/year for surgeon D.Three of the four surgeons had a more pronounced trend to smaller cups for male subjects than their female counterparts.CONCLUSION We found increasing surgeon experience to be associated with an ever-decreasing acetabular cup size.Smaller acetabular cup size may act as a surrogate marker of surgical proficiency by virtue of decreased acetabular reaming.展开更多
Coaxial plasma guns are a type of plasma source that produces plasma which propagates radially and axially controlled by the shape of the ground electrode, which has attracted much interest in several applications. In...Coaxial plasma guns are a type of plasma source that produces plasma which propagates radially and axially controlled by the shape of the ground electrode, which has attracted much interest in several applications. In this work, a 120° opening angle of CPG nozzle is used as a plasma gun configuration that operates at the energy of 150 J. The ionization of polyethylene insulator between the electrodes of the gun produces a cloud of hydrogen and carbon plasma.The triple Langmuir probe and Faraday cup are used to measure plasma density and plasma temperature. These methods are used to measure the on-axis and off-axis plasma divergence of the coaxial plasma gun. The peak values of ion densities measured at a distance of 25 mm on-axis from the plasma gun are(1.6±0.5)×10^(19)m^(-3)and(2.8±0.6)×10^(19)m^(-3)for hydrogen and carbon plasma respectively and the peak temperature is 3.02±0.5 eV. The mean propagation velocity of plasma is calculated using the transit times of plasma at different distances from the plasma gun and is found to be 4.54±0.25 cm/μs and 1.81±0.18 cm/μs for hydrogen and carbon plasma respectively. The Debye radius is obtained from the measured experimental data that satisfies the thin sheath approximation. The shot-to-shot stability of plasma parameters facilitates the use of plasma guns in laboratory experiments. These types of plasma sources can be used in many applications like plasma opening switches, plasma devices, and as plasma sources.展开更多
The composition of paper cups creates a challenge for the recycling industry,as the paperboard–plastic film composite is hard to separate.Therefore,paper cups are sent to landfills or waste incinerators.This study ex...The composition of paper cups creates a challenge for the recycling industry,as the paperboard–plastic film composite is hard to separate.Therefore,paper cups are sent to landfills or waste incinerators.This study explores the combined use of red worms(Eisenia fetida)and Greater wax moth(Galleria mellonella)in the biodegradation of paper cups.The study investigates the conditions and combinations that promote using Eisenia fetida and Galleria mellonella for degrading paper cups.The study considered the influence of environmental temperature,the presence of food waste,varying the number of Eisenia fetida worms,and the presence of a Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agent on the degradation process.To achieve the study objectives,the study followed a quantitative approach.The study monitored the degradation of paper cup cuts that were placed in jars containing different combinations of Eisenia fetida worms,Galleria mellonella larvae,food waste,bedding material,and Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agents.The study found that the best operating temperature is 30oC.The study found that using food waste improves the performance of Eisenia fetida worms and Galleria mellonella larvae significantly.The study found that adding a Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agent slightly enhances the degradation of the paper cup.Finally,a numerical model was obtained to simulate the paper cup degradation efficiency.展开更多
Background:The incidence of lumbar disc herniation(LDH)is notably high.Consensus among experts highlights non-surgical treatments as the primary therapeutic approach for LDH.Contemporary medicine frequently employs ph...Background:The incidence of lumbar disc herniation(LDH)is notably high.Consensus among experts highlights non-surgical treatments as the primary therapeutic approach for LDH.Contemporary medicine frequently employs pharmacotherapy and epidural injections in such treatments,which are associated with numerous adverse effects.Prolonged use can severely impair the liver and kidney functions of patients.Hence,the role of safe and effective traditional Chinese medicine techniques becomes pivotal.Among various traditional Chinese medicine approaches for treating LDH,fire dragon cupping,renowned for its remarkable efficacy,cost-effectiveness,and ease of application,is extensively utilised in clinical settings for managing LDH.Nonetheless,there is a scarcity of systematic and standardised evidence from evidence-based medicine studies.Therefore,conducting a meta-analysis is imperative.Methods:A comprehensive computerised search was conducted in databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure,WanFang Data,VIP,China Biology Medicine disc,PubMed,EMbase,The Cochrane Library,Web of Science,and CINAHL.The search aimed to gather randomised controlled trials on fire dragon cupping therapy for LDH,spanning from the inception of these databases until December 2023.Two researchers independently screened the literature according to inclusion and exclusion criteria,extracted data,and assessed the methodological quality of the studies included,utilising RevMan 5.3 software for meta-analysis.Results:The results show that the fire dragon cupping therapy group had better clinical effectiveness(relative risk=1.23,95%confidence interval(CI)(1.14,1.33),P<0.00001),less pain(standardized mean difference=–1.33,95%CI(–1.49,–1.16),P<0.00001),and some improvement in lumbar function(Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores:mean difference=3.37,95%CI(2.31,4.43),P<0.00001.Conclusion:The fire dragon cupping therapy significantly alleviates LDH,warranting its extensive application.However,considering the limitations in the number and quality of studies included,the aforementioned conclusion necessitates further validation through more high-quality research.展开更多
Introduction:Cupping therapy is an integrative and complementary medicine therapy that practiced worldwide by several civilizations for thousands of years.Cupping therapy is reported to be a relatively safe practice e...Introduction:Cupping therapy is an integrative and complementary medicine therapy that practiced worldwide by several civilizations for thousands of years.Cupping therapy is reported to be a relatively safe practice especially if performed by qualified therapists.Subconjunctival hemorrhage(SCH)is a common cause of eye redness and can be classified into traumatic and spontaneous.Case presentation:This case report discussed an adverse event related to wet cupping therapy.The patient developed SCH one day after performing cupping therapy.He was completely recovered after 2 weeks.This case report should increase the knowledge of cupping therapists regarding increasing safety of patient when performing wet cupping therapy on specific body parts especially,head,neck and cervical areas.Furthermore,it highlighted the importance of conducting research regarding the mechanical and physiological effects of cupping therapy.Conclusion:Adverse events related to cupping therapy should be reported with every patient.Cupping therapists should be aware of this possible mild adverse event.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first published adult case of SCH related to wet cupping therapy session.More studies are critically needed for evaluation of cupping therapy effects and adverse events especially when performed on head and neck.展开更多
Acetabular cups,which are among themost important implants in total hip arthroplasty,are usually made from titanium alloys with high porosity and adequate mechanical properties.The current three-dimensional(3D)printin...Acetabular cups,which are among themost important implants in total hip arthroplasty,are usually made from titanium alloys with high porosity and adequate mechanical properties.The current three-dimensional(3D)printing approaches to fabricate customized acetabular cups have some inherent disadvantages such as high cost and energy consumption,residual thermal stress,and relatively low efficiency.Thus,in this work,a direct ink writing method was developed to print a cup structure at room temperature,followed by multi-step heat treatment to form microscale porous structure within the acetabular cup.Our method is facilitated by the development of a self-supporting titanium-6 aluminum-4 vanadium(Ti64)ink that is composed of Ti64 particles,bentonite yield-stress additive,ultraviolet curable polymer,and photo-initiator.The effects of Ti64 and bentonite concentrations on the rheological properties and printability of inks were systematically investigated.Moreover,the printing conditions,geometrical limitations,and maximum curing depth were explored.Finally,some complex 3D structures,including lattices with different gap distances,honeycomb with a well-defined shape,and an acetabular cup with uniformly distributed micropores,were successfully printed/fabricated to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.展开更多
Pure bitumen is not suitable for heavy traffic loads;hence modifiers are used to improve the bitumen performance.Recently,cup lump rubber(CLR)has become a preferred modifier due to its outstanding performance and less...Pure bitumen is not suitable for heavy traffic loads;hence modifiers are used to improve the bitumen performance.Recently,cup lump rubber(CLR)has become a preferred modifier due to its outstanding performance and less cost.However,little is known about the interactions between CLR and bitumen.Thus,this study investigates the behavior of bitumen with CLR.Four percentages of CLR(2.5%,5.0%,7.5%,and 10.0%by weight of bitumen)were used to modify conventional 60/70 penetration grade bitumen.The modified bitumen was evaluated through different laboratory testing such as dynamic shear rheometer,rotational viscosity,softening point,bending beam rheometer,ductility,and elastic recovery.The testing results show that the addition of CLR increased the bitumen’s rutting resistance by 3 PG grades at high temperatures.At low pavement temperatures,the cup lump rubber modified bitumen(CMB)can withstand up to−34℃.Fourier Transform Infrared(FTIR)analysis shows that the Aromaticity index at 1600 cm^(−1) rose as the CLR percentage increased,indicating the formation of a binder with a compact structure.This is expected to improve the elasticity of bitumen throughπ-πinteractions.Atomic Force Microscopy(AFM)results showed the Catana phase increased in size and quantity at 5.0%and 7.5%CLR content.While contact angle measurement revealed that the binders are hydrophobic and tend to repel the dropped water on the bitumen surface.展开更多
Cupping,as one of the characteristic therapies of traditional Chinese medicine,has been applied for more than 2000 years and has a unique curative effect in clinic.With the evolution of the times,the types and operati...Cupping,as one of the characteristic therapies of traditional Chinese medicine,has been applied for more than 2000 years and has a unique curative effect in clinic.With the evolution of the times,the types and operation techniques of cupping method are also iterating.In the process of its inheritance and development,cupping technology is also known by more and more people.Starting from the development and efficacy of cupping method,this paper introduces the clinical operation steps and precautions of cupping method in detail,and lists the representative diseases such as lumbar muscle strain,herpes zoster,and ankylosing spondylitis,to provide reference for clinical application.展开更多
Cupping therapy is an ancient natural therapeutic modality which is widely practiced throughout the world.Cupping therapy mechanisms of action are not illustrated by research until now.This article gives a brief illus...Cupping therapy is an ancient natural therapeutic modality which is widely practiced throughout the world.Cupping therapy mechanisms of action are not illustrated by research until now.This article gives a brief illustration of the genetic theory as a possible mechanism of action of cupping therapy.Genetic modulation is also a suggested mechanism of action of acupuncture and massage.展开更多
BACKGROUND Cupping therapy is used across the globe since ancient Egypt.It is used as a complementary or alternative to daily clinical practice.Cupping therapy could be dry or wet(Al-hijamah)type.It is considered a re...BACKGROUND Cupping therapy is used across the globe since ancient Egypt.It is used as a complementary or alternative to daily clinical practice.Cupping therapy could be dry or wet(Al-hijamah)type.It is considered a relatively safe procedure for a variety of clinical problems like lower backache,shoulder pain,neck pain,headache,and migraine.Application of cupping therapy over body orifices is contraindicated.CASE SUMMARY A 27-year-old gentleman presented with sudden left-sided hearing loss and tinnitus for 7 d.He gave a history of upper respiratory tract infection 14 d before his complaints.He received Al-hijamah over his left ear 3 d before seeking advice from the Otolaryngology clinic,but without benefit.Physical examination showed a dull-looking left ear drum,hemotympanum in the posterior part of the tympanic cavity,two blood clots over the eardrum,and multiple bleeding points over the external ear canal and tympanic membrane.A pure tone audiogram and tympanogram confirmed the diagnosis of middle ear effusion.Conservative treatment(avoidance of water entry,antibiotics,and local and systemic decongestants)was given for 5 d.The presenting symptoms as well as ear injuries resolved completely two weeks after the follow-up.CONCLUSION We do not recommend using Al-hijamah directly over the ear as a treatment option for hearing loss to avoid unwanted ear trauma as well as there is no benefit from this kind of treatment.展开更多
Pricking-cupping therapy is a Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)nursing technology that can adjust the viscera of the human body,make the meridians smooth,and Yin and Yang balanced mainly by means of relieving heat and...Pricking-cupping therapy is a Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)nursing technology that can adjust the viscera of the human body,make the meridians smooth,and Yin and Yang balanced mainly by means of relieving heat and detoxification,harmonizing Qi and blood,promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis,dredging meridians and activating collaterals,reducing swelling and pain,purging heat and calming shock,clearing heat,and opening orifices.Pricking-cupping therapy has a long history and wide application.After thousands of years of development,it has made great progress.They are widely used to treat lumbar disc herniation,herpes zoster,acute arthritis,migraine,and other diseases in China.Through the clinical practice and theoretical exploration of physicians of past dynasties,the therapeutic mechanism and application scope of pricking-cupping therapy have been greatly enriched.Modern TCM practitioners have conducted in-depth researches on the operation norms of the therapy on the basis of the ancients,hoping to grasp the essence of the disease more accurately and make the rational use of the operation technology of the therapy.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Total hip arthroplasty(THA)is a common procedure for end stage osteoarthritis.The learning curve for THA is complex and challenging.One of the most difficult skills to master is acetabular reaming.We wish to identify if experience in arthroplasty leads to preservation of more bone stock.AIM To investigate if increasing surgeon experience will predict an ever decreasing acetabular cup size.METHODS A retrospective case series of four attending orthopaedic surgeons was completed.All uncemented elective total hip arthroplasties since appointment were selected for inclusion.The size of acetabular cup used was noted and logistic regression was used to identify if a trend to smaller cups existed.RESULTS A total of 1614 subjects were included with a mean age of 64 years.Overall cups were on average 0.18mm smaller per year(95%confidence interval-0.25 to-0.11,P<0.001).Individual surgeon trends showed cup sizes to decrease 0.27 mm/year for surgeon A,0.02 mm/year for surgeon B,0.15 mm/year for surgeon C and 0.29 mm/year for surgeon D.Three of the four surgeons had a more pronounced trend to smaller cups for male subjects than their female counterparts.CONCLUSION We found increasing surgeon experience to be associated with an ever-decreasing acetabular cup size.Smaller acetabular cup size may act as a surrogate marker of surgical proficiency by virtue of decreased acetabular reaming.
基金supported by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Department of Atomic Energy, Government of IndiaDepartment of Atomic Energy, Government of India for financial assistance under DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme-2018。
文摘Coaxial plasma guns are a type of plasma source that produces plasma which propagates radially and axially controlled by the shape of the ground electrode, which has attracted much interest in several applications. In this work, a 120° opening angle of CPG nozzle is used as a plasma gun configuration that operates at the energy of 150 J. The ionization of polyethylene insulator between the electrodes of the gun produces a cloud of hydrogen and carbon plasma.The triple Langmuir probe and Faraday cup are used to measure plasma density and plasma temperature. These methods are used to measure the on-axis and off-axis plasma divergence of the coaxial plasma gun. The peak values of ion densities measured at a distance of 25 mm on-axis from the plasma gun are(1.6±0.5)×10^(19)m^(-3)and(2.8±0.6)×10^(19)m^(-3)for hydrogen and carbon plasma respectively and the peak temperature is 3.02±0.5 eV. The mean propagation velocity of plasma is calculated using the transit times of plasma at different distances from the plasma gun and is found to be 4.54±0.25 cm/μs and 1.81±0.18 cm/μs for hydrogen and carbon plasma respectively. The Debye radius is obtained from the measured experimental data that satisfies the thin sheath approximation. The shot-to-shot stability of plasma parameters facilitates the use of plasma guns in laboratory experiments. These types of plasma sources can be used in many applications like plasma opening switches, plasma devices, and as plasma sources.
基金funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research at the University of Jordan.
文摘The composition of paper cups creates a challenge for the recycling industry,as the paperboard–plastic film composite is hard to separate.Therefore,paper cups are sent to landfills or waste incinerators.This study explores the combined use of red worms(Eisenia fetida)and Greater wax moth(Galleria mellonella)in the biodegradation of paper cups.The study investigates the conditions and combinations that promote using Eisenia fetida and Galleria mellonella for degrading paper cups.The study considered the influence of environmental temperature,the presence of food waste,varying the number of Eisenia fetida worms,and the presence of a Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agent on the degradation process.To achieve the study objectives,the study followed a quantitative approach.The study monitored the degradation of paper cup cuts that were placed in jars containing different combinations of Eisenia fetida worms,Galleria mellonella larvae,food waste,bedding material,and Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agents.The study found that the best operating temperature is 30oC.The study found that using food waste improves the performance of Eisenia fetida worms and Galleria mellonella larvae significantly.The study found that adding a Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agent slightly enhances the degradation of the paper cup.Finally,a numerical model was obtained to simulate the paper cup degradation efficiency.
基金supported by the 2022 study on the effectiveness of Fire Dragon Cupping in treating cold-dampness obstructive type shoulder stiffness,funded by the Bao'an District Healthcare Research Project in Shenzhen(Shen Bao Ke[2023]No.13,Project No.2022JD237)2023 study on the therapeutic observation and mechanism exploration of Fire Dragon Cupping in cold-dampness obstructive type acute gout,funded by the Guangdong Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine(Yue Zhong Yi Han[2023]No.205,Project No.20242077)+1 种基金National Clinical Key Specialty(Traditional Chinese Medicine)Construction Project(2013-239)Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen(No.SZZYSM202206014).
文摘Background:The incidence of lumbar disc herniation(LDH)is notably high.Consensus among experts highlights non-surgical treatments as the primary therapeutic approach for LDH.Contemporary medicine frequently employs pharmacotherapy and epidural injections in such treatments,which are associated with numerous adverse effects.Prolonged use can severely impair the liver and kidney functions of patients.Hence,the role of safe and effective traditional Chinese medicine techniques becomes pivotal.Among various traditional Chinese medicine approaches for treating LDH,fire dragon cupping,renowned for its remarkable efficacy,cost-effectiveness,and ease of application,is extensively utilised in clinical settings for managing LDH.Nonetheless,there is a scarcity of systematic and standardised evidence from evidence-based medicine studies.Therefore,conducting a meta-analysis is imperative.Methods:A comprehensive computerised search was conducted in databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure,WanFang Data,VIP,China Biology Medicine disc,PubMed,EMbase,The Cochrane Library,Web of Science,and CINAHL.The search aimed to gather randomised controlled trials on fire dragon cupping therapy for LDH,spanning from the inception of these databases until December 2023.Two researchers independently screened the literature according to inclusion and exclusion criteria,extracted data,and assessed the methodological quality of the studies included,utilising RevMan 5.3 software for meta-analysis.Results:The results show that the fire dragon cupping therapy group had better clinical effectiveness(relative risk=1.23,95%confidence interval(CI)(1.14,1.33),P<0.00001),less pain(standardized mean difference=–1.33,95%CI(–1.49,–1.16),P<0.00001),and some improvement in lumbar function(Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores:mean difference=3.37,95%CI(2.31,4.43),P<0.00001.Conclusion:The fire dragon cupping therapy significantly alleviates LDH,warranting its extensive application.However,considering the limitations in the number and quality of studies included,the aforementioned conclusion necessitates further validation through more high-quality research.
文摘Introduction:Cupping therapy is an integrative and complementary medicine therapy that practiced worldwide by several civilizations for thousands of years.Cupping therapy is reported to be a relatively safe practice especially if performed by qualified therapists.Subconjunctival hemorrhage(SCH)is a common cause of eye redness and can be classified into traumatic and spontaneous.Case presentation:This case report discussed an adverse event related to wet cupping therapy.The patient developed SCH one day after performing cupping therapy.He was completely recovered after 2 weeks.This case report should increase the knowledge of cupping therapists regarding increasing safety of patient when performing wet cupping therapy on specific body parts especially,head,neck and cervical areas.Furthermore,it highlighted the importance of conducting research regarding the mechanical and physiological effects of cupping therapy.Conclusion:Adverse events related to cupping therapy should be reported with every patient.Cupping therapists should be aware of this possible mild adverse event.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first published adult case of SCH related to wet cupping therapy session.More studies are critically needed for evaluation of cupping therapy effects and adverse events especially when performed on head and neck.
基金supported by the Micro Grant (PG20473) at the University of Nevada, Reno, USA
文摘Acetabular cups,which are among themost important implants in total hip arthroplasty,are usually made from titanium alloys with high porosity and adequate mechanical properties.The current three-dimensional(3D)printing approaches to fabricate customized acetabular cups have some inherent disadvantages such as high cost and energy consumption,residual thermal stress,and relatively low efficiency.Thus,in this work,a direct ink writing method was developed to print a cup structure at room temperature,followed by multi-step heat treatment to form microscale porous structure within the acetabular cup.Our method is facilitated by the development of a self-supporting titanium-6 aluminum-4 vanadium(Ti64)ink that is composed of Ti64 particles,bentonite yield-stress additive,ultraviolet curable polymer,and photo-initiator.The effects of Ti64 and bentonite concentrations on the rheological properties and printability of inks were systematically investigated.Moreover,the printing conditions,geometrical limitations,and maximum curing depth were explored.Finally,some complex 3D structures,including lattices with different gap distances,honeycomb with a well-defined shape,and an acetabular cup with uniformly distributed micropores,were successfully printed/fabricated to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
基金The authors received funding for this research work through the Project No.(IFP-2020-89)from the Deputyship for Research&Innovation,Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia.
文摘Pure bitumen is not suitable for heavy traffic loads;hence modifiers are used to improve the bitumen performance.Recently,cup lump rubber(CLR)has become a preferred modifier due to its outstanding performance and less cost.However,little is known about the interactions between CLR and bitumen.Thus,this study investigates the behavior of bitumen with CLR.Four percentages of CLR(2.5%,5.0%,7.5%,and 10.0%by weight of bitumen)were used to modify conventional 60/70 penetration grade bitumen.The modified bitumen was evaluated through different laboratory testing such as dynamic shear rheometer,rotational viscosity,softening point,bending beam rheometer,ductility,and elastic recovery.The testing results show that the addition of CLR increased the bitumen’s rutting resistance by 3 PG grades at high temperatures.At low pavement temperatures,the cup lump rubber modified bitumen(CMB)can withstand up to−34℃.Fourier Transform Infrared(FTIR)analysis shows that the Aromaticity index at 1600 cm^(−1) rose as the CLR percentage increased,indicating the formation of a binder with a compact structure.This is expected to improve the elasticity of bitumen throughπ-πinteractions.Atomic Force Microscopy(AFM)results showed the Catana phase increased in size and quantity at 5.0%and 7.5%CLR content.While contact angle measurement revealed that the binders are hydrophobic and tend to repel the dropped water on the bitumen surface.
文摘Cupping,as one of the characteristic therapies of traditional Chinese medicine,has been applied for more than 2000 years and has a unique curative effect in clinic.With the evolution of the times,the types and operation techniques of cupping method are also iterating.In the process of its inheritance and development,cupping technology is also known by more and more people.Starting from the development and efficacy of cupping method,this paper introduces the clinical operation steps and precautions of cupping method in detail,and lists the representative diseases such as lumbar muscle strain,herpes zoster,and ankylosing spondylitis,to provide reference for clinical application.
文摘Cupping therapy is an ancient natural therapeutic modality which is widely practiced throughout the world.Cupping therapy mechanisms of action are not illustrated by research until now.This article gives a brief illustration of the genetic theory as a possible mechanism of action of cupping therapy.Genetic modulation is also a suggested mechanism of action of acupuncture and massage.
文摘BACKGROUND Cupping therapy is used across the globe since ancient Egypt.It is used as a complementary or alternative to daily clinical practice.Cupping therapy could be dry or wet(Al-hijamah)type.It is considered a relatively safe procedure for a variety of clinical problems like lower backache,shoulder pain,neck pain,headache,and migraine.Application of cupping therapy over body orifices is contraindicated.CASE SUMMARY A 27-year-old gentleman presented with sudden left-sided hearing loss and tinnitus for 7 d.He gave a history of upper respiratory tract infection 14 d before his complaints.He received Al-hijamah over his left ear 3 d before seeking advice from the Otolaryngology clinic,but without benefit.Physical examination showed a dull-looking left ear drum,hemotympanum in the posterior part of the tympanic cavity,two blood clots over the eardrum,and multiple bleeding points over the external ear canal and tympanic membrane.A pure tone audiogram and tympanogram confirmed the diagnosis of middle ear effusion.Conservative treatment(avoidance of water entry,antibiotics,and local and systemic decongestants)was given for 5 d.The presenting symptoms as well as ear injuries resolved completely two weeks after the follow-up.CONCLUSION We do not recommend using Al-hijamah directly over the ear as a treatment option for hearing loss to avoid unwanted ear trauma as well as there is no benefit from this kind of treatment.
文摘Pricking-cupping therapy is a Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)nursing technology that can adjust the viscera of the human body,make the meridians smooth,and Yin and Yang balanced mainly by means of relieving heat and detoxification,harmonizing Qi and blood,promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis,dredging meridians and activating collaterals,reducing swelling and pain,purging heat and calming shock,clearing heat,and opening orifices.Pricking-cupping therapy has a long history and wide application.After thousands of years of development,it has made great progress.They are widely used to treat lumbar disc herniation,herpes zoster,acute arthritis,migraine,and other diseases in China.Through the clinical practice and theoretical exploration of physicians of past dynasties,the therapeutic mechanism and application scope of pricking-cupping therapy have been greatly enriched.Modern TCM practitioners have conducted in-depth researches on the operation norms of the therapy on the basis of the ancients,hoping to grasp the essence of the disease more accurately and make the rational use of the operation technology of the therapy.